Water treatment system for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification

Abstract

Described herein is a water treatment system for simultaneously removing ammonia and nitrates from a liquid. The water treatment system comprises a floating platform, at least one columnar unit connected with the floating platform, where each columnar unit includes a bounding surface possessing multiple apertures. An air diffuser is connected with each columnar unit for supplying an air flow volume within the columnar unit.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for simultaneously removing ammonia and nitrates from a liquid, the system comprising:
 a floating platform;   at least one columnar unit connected with the floating platform, each columnar unit having a top, a bottom, and a bounding surface extending from the top to the bottom, wherein the bounding surface possesses a plurality of apertures;   an air diffuser connected with the at least one columnar unit for supplying an air flow volume within the at least one columnar unit;   a compressed air supply; and   a power supply.   
     
     
         2 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a propulsion mechanism attached with the floating platform. 
     
     
         3 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a substrate for bacterial growth residing within the at least one columnar unit. 
     
     
         4 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one solar panel attached with the floating platform. 
     
     
         5 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a frame for attaching the at least one columnar unit with the floating platform. 
     
     
         6 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the floating platform is anchored to one of a bottom of a fluid body and a side of a structure. 
     
     
         7 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor for recording chemical data. 
     
     
         8 . The system as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the at least one sensor is a dissolved oxygen sensor for monitoring aeration inside the at least one columnar unit. 
     
     
         9 . The system as set forth in  claim 2 , further comprising a processor for receiving instructions for controlling the propulsion mechanism for autonomous movement.